Jan Notzon's Blog

Emily Parker- Our meeting at The New Chapter this week lasted an extra 45 minutes because we couldn’t stop dissecting the layers in Chapters 1–5. We talked about the nature of caregiving, the weight of family expectation, and how personal histories can either bind us together or hold us back.

Notzon’s writing gave us the perfect platform for these conversations. The balance between humor and sadness, light and shadow, is masterful. Every club that values deep, meaningful discussion should have this on their list.

Cassian Merrick: This novel is beautifully strange. The narrator speaks from beyond death, reflecting on life’s confusions while weaving in cartel violence, Texas law enforcement, and human weakness. I found the juxtaposition daring. The pace meanders, and it isn’t always easy to follow, but the ideas are so profound that I didn’t mind. It’s not for everyone, but for readers who want something unusual and thought-provoking, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Svetlana Orlova- If The New Chapter could bottle the feeling of reading these first chapters, it would be the combination of curiosity, empathy, and anticipation. Jan Notzon has a way of writing that feels almost cinematic you see the dust rising on the road, hear the creak of a chair at the funeral, feel the tension in Jacob’s chest when Grace falters. Our club members have been texting each other between meetings just to share favorite lines or theories about what’s coming. This book isn’t just a read it’s an experience, and we’re all-in.

Adnan Miller: To Sing Like a Mockingbird is unlike anything I’ve read in years. The blend of spiritual reflection with gritty cartel drama makes it hauntingly unique. The narrator’s voice, coming from beyond life, is both unsettling and beautiful. At times, the philosophical passages slowed me down, but the payoff was worth it. It’s a story that lingers in your thoughts long after finishing. Truly an evocative and ambitious work.

Ethan Cole: I was blown away by the originality of this novel. The structure alone sets it apart—six Acts, like a stage play, each scene alive with tension. Justin’s journey from disillusionment to dangerous entanglement with the cartel is riveting. Jan Notzon writes with power, balancing action with philosophical depth. Few books manage to be thrilling and profound at the same time, but this one does it flawlessly.

William Harris- Chapter 3 is where Notzon’s storytelling truly shines for our club. The flashbacks to Jacob’s youth illuminate his motivations and the unspoken burdens he carries. Each member connected differently some with Jacob’s sense of responsibility, others with the tenderness he shows toward Grace.

The desert setting comes alive in this chapter: the dust, heat, and silence reflect the emotional landscape perfectly. We laughed, we sighed, and we argued a little over what these memories mean for Jacob’s future choices. These five chapters already provide so much richness that every meeting leaves us wanting more.

Amelia Robinson: To Sing Like a Mockingbird is a rare gem intense, emotional, and beautifully written. The characters are layered and human, each one grappling with choices that reveal the costs of cynicism and idealism. The blend of drama and suspense kept me hooked, but what really stood out was the depth. This is a book that makes you question what drives us, what we live for, and what we’re willing to sacrifice. A stunning, unforgettable read.

Emily Carter- From the very first page, the tension and warmth of Jacob and Grace’s relationship drew us in. Chapter 1 immediately sets the stage for a story that is intimate yet expansive, as Notzon captures the weight of family ties and past regrets. By Chapter 2, the funeral scene had our group sitting in silence, feeling the grief and subtle humor intertwined in the ceremony. Grace’s vulnerability, her hesitant glances, and Jacob’s quiet protectiveness made us reflect on our own family dynamics.

Even in just five chapters, the emotional depth is staggering we’re already debating what choices Jacob might make and how Grace will respond. The New Chapter can’t recommend this book highly enough for anyone who values characters that feel alive.

Hannah Mitchell- The way these opening chapters are structured is brilliant, and The New Chapter noticed it right away. We start with humor and wry observation, then slowly descend into deeper emotional territory without ever losing the reader’s trust. Our discussion of Chapter 3’s character moments was one of the liveliest we’ve had all year. We debated whether Jacob is motivated by love, guilt, or both and the fact that we can’t answer definitively yet is a sign of great writing. Grace’s portrayal is equally nuanced; she is vulnerable, but never reduced to a caricature. This book has already sparked emotional responses in our members, from quiet tears to knowing laughter. We can’t remember the last time a book club pick drew us in so quickly.

Lawrence: This novel is both gripping and thought-provoking. Jan Notzon captures the tension of South Texas life, weaving a story of loyalty, betrayal, and conviction with a poetic touch.

I loved the theatrical structure of the Acts and Choruses—it gave the story a unique rhythm that deepened the themes. Justin’s struggles felt so real, and his moral dilemmas resonated with me long after I closed the book. A masterpiece of literary fiction with the intensity of a thriller